Seton - care questions

[earthshine]

Hi,
I had a seton put in this week.

I am wondering if those who have more experience could help guide me:

1) is ok to use heat pack after surgery ( i received conflicting info from nurses on this one).

2) how to properly wipe? the thread is in the way....?

3) the discharge nurse did not mention it, but i see the discharge paper says to rotate the seton every other day...

so we should just gently pull on it... how far? any tips on how to do this pain free?

thanks for any guidance!

 

[Polar bear]

This is from my personal experience. It may or may not be appropriate for you. I have 2 setons since November 2013.

1. In my case, I was allowed to use heat pack. I only use heat pack if I am away from home and does not have access to a Sitz bath. But,majority of the time I use the Sitz bath, not only it cleans the area, they say it also promotes healing. I still do Sitz bath up to now, 2 times a day.

2. I do not wipe at all. I use the shower head to directly spray water to clean the area. After I completely clean it, then I do the sitz bath. After sitz bath, I pat dry, then follow with a hair dryer to completely dry. I know it is a very long ceremony. I tried once to use wipes, but I cannot reach below the setons.

3. I do rotate my setons, once in a while. The idea is for a continuous flow of discharge/ pus./infection. In the beginning, when a lot of discharge is expected because I had an abscess then all of a sudden the discharge slows down and eventually stops my doctor will tell me to move the seton around.
I do not pull or tag, I GENTLY move it side to side.

Tip: It is easier to move the seton when you are in the shower or doing the sitz bath.

There you go. I hope it gives you some idea how I am dealing with my fistulas/setons.

 

[Polar bear]

I forgot, I only had the shower head recently. But before I had the shower head, I will get a big water bottle fill it up and use it to squirt./wash my butt instead of wiping.

 

[earthshine]

thank you so much Polar Bear! I appreciate you taking the time to respond and provide recommendations...

I find your strength admirable.

 

[earthshine]

I forgot, I only had the shower head recently. But before I had the shower head, I will get a big water bottle fill it up and use it to squirt./wash my butt instead of wiping.

by the way, how do you manage when you have a bowel movement when away from home (ie at the store, at work, etc)?

 

[Polar bear]

I suffer from constipation, with the help of pitted prunes before going to bed and a glass of water, that kept me pretty regular. Fortunately, I only have to do it in the morning before leaving the house. But, I always carry with me a squirt bottle for just in case. I find the squirt bottle very handy when I want to freshen up my butt area.

 

[Deanne]

When I had my seton I brought a larger handbag and would carry wet wipes and a plastic bottle, its called a 'squeeze thinner bottle'. I know it sounds funny but my husband found it in the local paint store. It is like a small water bottle with a small plastic hose on it that I could fill in the restroom sink before I went into the cubicle. Point, squeeze and rinse. I worked like magic. I would have been in so much pain otherwise.
Plus the hot Sitz bath once or twice a day, depending on situation.
But when I was at home I would go straight from the toilet to the shower.

 

[earthshine]

thanks so much for the support, i really appreciate it. I bought a couple levette bottles online and will see how they work. will keep the thinner bottle in mind too.

how were you able to heal your fistula?

 

[Deanne]

I think it was a combination of medication and baths. Best of luck. D